Effect of Footrot on embryo losses in Polwarth sheep

Daniel Fernández Abella 1, 2, *, Nelson Omar Villegas 2, Fernando Nan Monte 3 and Oscar Irabuena Richard 1

1 Department of Biological Sciences. CENUR LN. Republic University of Uruguay.  Salto. 50000. Uruguay.
2 Experimental Station of Agronomic Faculty. Salto. Uruguay.
3 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine CENUR.L.N. Republic University of Uruguay. 50000. Salto. Uruguay.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 11(01), 316–319.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.11.1.0049
Publication history: 
Received on 03 December 2023; revised on 10 January 2024; accepted on 13 January 2024
 
Abstract: 
Footrot is caused by the association of  Dichelobacter nodosus and  Fusobacterium necrophorum. The disease is characterised by severe lameness associated with initial inflammation at the coronary band, followed by progressive separation of the hoof capsule from the underlying tissue. This determines uneasiness in the animal and loss of body condition. Embryo losses are affected by several factors that interact with each other. Among them, the body condition of the sheep is an important factor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the embryo losses associated with footrot in Polwarth sheep. In autumn, 130 ewes were synchronized with intravaginal sponges for 14 days. According to the footrot score diagnosed, three groups were made: Score 0) Healthy ;1) with minor injuries and 3) with more significant injuries without becoming serious (Scores 4 and 5). Embryo loss (EM) was measured from 18 days post-service to day 50, followed up every 5 days, by transrectal ultrasonography. Subsequently, the presence, number, and size of embryos or foetuses were recorded, as well as the presence of dead embryos or foetuses. The loss of body condition status was determined to have higher embryonic losses in group 3 (72,0%) than in the others (< 25,0).
 
Keywords: 
Sheep; Footrot; Embryo losses; Body condition
 
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